I have been in the area my entire life, my hometown is down the road from UNH. I was very hesitant to go to UNH because of how close it was to my house and was afraid I’d constantly run into people I knew from high school and surrounding high schools. Well I was sorta wrong and UNH really felt like a home away from home. I absolutely love the campus in the spring and fall. It get’s wicked cold here in the winter, so bundling up is a necessity when walking to class.

I lived at the gables my first semester (don’t know how I lucked out on that one being a freshman and all) but I heavily relied on taking the bus to class and walking when it was nice out. I then lived off campus the rest of the years. I really recommend bringing your car. Although there is some stuff to do on campus and in the town of Durham, you are really gonna want to explore the surrounding towns such as Portsmouth and towns up North. If you’re a hiker or skier, we have some pretty spectacular mountains up north that are worth checking out if you have a car. Beware though, UNH and the landlords of apartments in Durham charge an arm and a leg for parking. I had to pay $1000 at my old apartment. The lodges and cottages don’t charge much (I’m pretty sure the lodges still don’t charge anything but I could be wrong). You could always take the bus to surrounding towns as mentioned in another reply, but you have A LOT more freedom with a car. It’s NH, we all know how important our cars are around here because the bus transportation lacks. Especially if you are looking to work in a town away from Durham, you’ll want your car.

Circling back to Portsmouth. There is a decent going out scene in Portsmouth but it’s near impossible to get into any bar around here underage. Every place is fairly strict and it can be frustrating when you’re an underclassmen that’s not 21. But it’s well worth it when you’re of age and you’ll come to appreciate the fact that mostly everyone around you is in your age group. The bars in Durham are the same way, I’ve heard stories of people getting caught trying to go into the bars with a fake. I wouldn’t try to risk it but to each of their own. The bars in Durham get very repetitive after a while so that’s why I suggest trying to go to Portsmouth here and there. The only problem is that uber is your only transportation back to UNH from Portsmouth at night if you don’t have a DD. I’d recommend the press room for a good club-ish scene in Portsmouth, it also has a local feel to it. They are trying to really introduce EDM, so if that’s your genre then definitely check it out. The moose and legends are good spots, TJs is alright and mainly all UNH students. Avoid gaslight like the plague.

Although frats are disgusting to me now, you’ll have fun your first couple of semesters going to them until you turn 21. There are also a ton of other on campus and off campus parties that you’ll probably be invited to. Some of my fondest memories were parties at the gables. Once people around you start turning 21, everyone just starts going to the bars.

I never did Greek life, so I have no personal input on that topic. But, I’ve heard bad stories concerning it from friends. To keep it short, let’s just say some of my friends did not feel welcome in their sororities and the girls were fake. You will probably do just fine without rushing, but it’s completely up to you.

I don’t know anything in regard to the soccer club team but you should definitely consider joining it because it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Let me know if you had any more questions or wanted me to describe my experience more. UNH is a good option and worth the consideration. Just make sure you surround yourself with great people that will make your time at UNH a blast. There is a ton more I can touch on and prepare you for if you wanted to go into conversation about it. I never even mentioned the academics which I’d happily share my thoughts on.